Dear Giving Women and friends,

It is with deep sadness that Giving Women announces the passing of our long-standing founding member, Manuela Balma. As our first Treasurer and head of the Project Circle Monitoring Sub-Committee (PCMS), Manuela played a pivotal role in establishing the procedures for our PCMS. Her unwavering belief in our mission, along with her balanced, wise counsel and financial guidance, formed the founding pillars that have made our organisation so strong and resilient.

In May, Kathleen and I had the opportunity to visit Manuela at home, where she generously offered us advice on our next steps. She was a wonderful friend whose humor, authenticity, and compassion I will profoundly miss.

Manuela fought valiantly against cancer, supported by her loving husband, Marc-Henri, and her friends.

Farewell, dear friend. May you find a peaceful resting place, knowing you will always be with us.

With much love,
Atalanti and The Giving Women Team

For those of you wishing to attend Manuela’s funeral on Monday, 14 July, please find the details below from today’s announcement in the Tribune de Genève.